Jannik Sinner asked Olympics question he didn’t want to answer by journalist after first round win in Montreal

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Jannik Sinner was not happy with a question he was asked about not playing at the Olympic Games.

The Italian was due to represent his country at the global sporting event but Sinner announced a late Olympics withdrawal after suffering from tonsillitis.

As a result he watched Novak Djokovic become Olympic champion by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a pulsating final.

Now back playing in Canada, he hit back at those who were not happy with his decision not to compete at the Paris Games.

What did Jannik Sinner say to the reporter who asked him about missing the Paris Olympics?

Jannik Sinner spoke to reporters after winning his opening match at the Canadian Open. The 22-year-old is the defending champion and is playing his first tournament since Wimbledon.

During his post-match press conference, Sinner was asked to comment on those who think he ‘isn’t Italian enough’ and believe he did not make the ‘extra effort’ to go to the 2024 Olympic Games.

This is all the more remarkable given Sinner’s efforts to help Italy win their first Davis Cup title since 1976 last November.

Not holding back, Sinner said: “It’s a question I don’t even want to have to answer honestly,” Sinner said, clearly frustrated. “I especially know how I felt.

“I had said since the beginning of the year that my biggest goal was the Olympics, but unfortunately I wasn’t even able to get out of bed. Then honestly, what people think… let’s say I give it little importance, little weight.”

He added: “I also know who I am as a person and what kind of people I have around me, who all care a lot about me.”

“Unfortunately this time it went like this. I understand people’s reaction, I’m honest, but now I’m here in Montreal and what happened happened.”

Jannik Sinner faces tricky test after beginning Canadian Open title defence with a win

At the Canadian Open Sinner played his first match in a month and he made short work of Croatia’s Borna Ćorić in the opening round.

He dropped just four points behind his first serve and showed quality ball striking from the baseline as he cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 victory.

Sinner will face Alejandro Tabilo in round one, who has been having an impressive season in which he has claimed two titles.

This match will be Sinner’s first match against the Canadian-born Chilean and Tabilo is aiming for his second win against a World number one after defeating Novak Djokovic in Rome back in May.